Who says comfort food can’t be easy to make? A classic “pasta in red sauce” recipe is a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that will please everyone at the table.
This versatile dish is a blank canvas for customization. You can adjust the spiciness, add different vegetables or proteins, and swap out different types of pasta to create a meal that suits your preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this simple recipe will guide you through the process of making a delicious pasta in red sauce.
Ready to tantalize your taste buds? Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps involved in creating this culinary masterpiece.
Ingredients and Equipment
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of your favorite pasta (such as spaghetti, penne, or linguine)
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 28 ounces of crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Equipment:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Colander
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make “pasta in red sauce”
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
2. In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.
4. Bring sauce to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until thickened. Adjust seasonings to taste.
5. Add drained pasta to the sauce and stir to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta cooking water to achieve desired consistency.
6. Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese (if desired). Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.
Tips or Possible Variations
1. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while cooking.
2. To add some sweetness, stir in 1/2 cup of chopped carrots or bell peppers along with the onion and garlic.
3. For a vegetarian pasta in red sauce, replace the ground beef with additional vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
With a little creativity and experimentation, you can customize this classic recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy your delicious and comforting “pasta in red sauce” creation!